Chester wastes no time

How? Well it’s difficult to track down FFA Cup scoring records, particularly in the preliminary rounds but scoring a hat-trick in the space of three minutes must be up there.

Coming on as a substitute upon the hour mark, Chester scored in the 77th, 78th and 79th minute in Mitchelton’s 8-1 victory continuing a rich vein of form in finding the net in cup matches.

“If I’ve scored hat-tricks, they have been normally limited to the cup. I had a good run of scoring a few years ago. If I can be a cup specialist, I’m happy to do that.”

It broke a dry spell without scoring for Chester who didn’t score in the pre-season or in the league to date but with very good reason. He has taken on a new found utility role, including a significant stint in the team’s defensive unit but relished his time up front on Wednesday evening.

“I definitely enjoyed playing forward. I’ve played four or five positions this year and I’m being utilised as a utility player more than normal. As soon as I scored the first one, I was quite relieved to get the monkey off my back and then the rest just sort of fell into place.”

Last night’s victory for Mitchelton ended a recent run of early exits from cup competitions. While the league is still the major focus, one eye is firmly kept on the prospect of making the FFA Cup final 32.

“We sat down and discussed that we wanted to go as far as we can in the cup. I think Leo (Sirianni – head coach) sees it as a chance to get some exposure for some of the younger players and also put the club back on the map. It’s all part of that package of trying to promote the club and promote some of the players.”

Chester made the move from Taringa Rovers in the off-season after the club was relegated from the Premier League. With no shortage of clubs potentially interested in his services, he explained why he chose Mitchelton for 2016,

“I’ve known Leo for a quite a few years. We’ve always been quite tight just from playing against each other. We had a chat and he told me about the club so it seemed like a club that was going in the right direction and where I wanted to go. Also the bringing in of Aaron Philp (assistant coach) was a bonus as well because I’ve always thought of him as a good coach and it seemed like a good fit.”

Mitchelton return to Brisbane Premier League action on Sunday night against UQFC. Asked whether it might give the coaching staff some food for thought in playing a more regular role up forward, Chester’s typical humility and clubman attitude took over.

“It could be anywhere really, anything than picking up the goal keeping gloves. I’m happy just to contribute to the team whether it’s starting or coming off the bench to make an impact.”